The Cost of Peace

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad smirked, taking quick inventory of the sparse locals who were out on the streets bordering Fero's home. There were about to be a lot more. "I'm on it," he chuckled.

Without warning, he snagged Fero by the neck and began dragging him out into the open square. "The king's vagabond son; we know you are harboring him here!" Vlad growled, raising his voice so that all would hear. "This village will pay in blood until the Prince is returned. You were acquainted with him; if you know where he is, this is your only opportunity to reveal him." He had Fero lofted firmly above the ground now, no acting required, he was choking the man. His eyes blazed a fierce red.

[Emora Deen]

Fero's eyes were wide. "What? Hey! No-" and he only gagged after that as Vlad's grip tightened around his neck. He slapped at Vlad's hand, winking at him in the hopes he'd realize he needed to losen his grip.

"Are you so blind, Vampire, that you do not realize what is right before you?" Atul tilted his head to the side, peering over his shoulder with his stormy eyes. His hands flexed at his sides before clasping together in front of him. "I know my father's minions aren't that bright, but I would have expected something a little more from the likes of you."

He turned to face the Vampire with a grim smirk. "Let him go."

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad feigned recognition as he noticed Atul before him. "Prince....your father is looking everywhere for you," he said with superficial respect, malice glowing in his eyes as he stared down the prince. "What is the meaning of this?" He made no move to release Fero, but swung the strangled man slightly in Atul's direction to punctuate his question.

[Emora Deen]

Slowly people began to gather just outside the square. Something else was coming in the distance, and Atul new well that sound. He had been raised with it, and it was unmistakable. His eyes turned to the open gatway to the courtyard, and there stood a line of six men, six well trained guard. "I'm sure he's looking everywhere," Atul acknowledged. "I'm sure he's desperately worried that his heir has gone mad. I assure you, I am quite sane. My eyes have been opened." He turned his head up to the sky, smiling happily at the sky. "I see what corruption and distortion has taken this kingdom by an iron clasp. Manacles of lies and discord. It is with these open eyes that I have come to the conclusion that my people are not willing worshipers to a God. But, slaves to him. Mindless ants making offerings to an holy and ghastly creature. Having become bored with immorality, he chooses the mortal world as his playing grounds. I will tolerate his cancerous influence no longer." Atul spat at the ground, glaring defiantly at Vlad. "You will not make me go back. I will go when I am good and ready. For when I go back, it will be with the people, and it will be for my father's head."

He pointed in Vlad’s direction. “Are you like my father? Are you a coward that will not face the problems himself, but take it out on a lowly and unbecoming human? An innocent.”

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad had to make some effort not to look a little bit proud of Atul. It was easy enough to replace the sentiment with a brooding scowl. "What you speak is treason. Are you challenging me, Prince?" he demanded, dropping the sputtering Fero to the side effortlessly like so much trash.

[Emora Deen]

Atul smirked, the fire crackling around his wrist. "Treason?" he asked, a great deal of amusement in his voice. "Is it treason for a prince to wish to take his rightful place on a throne? Just not one backed by Verin, I guess." He eased forward now that Fero was scrambling out of the way. "And yes, I'm challenging you. Whether it is to a fight or for a chance to think freely, that is your choice." And suddenly both his hands were a flame with blue fire, and he was stepping back with one foot to take up a defenseive stance.

Atul felt as if he were getting carried away with the idea. He had to remind himself that this was a mock fight, and killing Vlad wasn't an option. Besides the fact it wouldn't sit well with him, he really didn't want to wrath of the little half-elf woman to be brought down on him.

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad's face spread in a snarl. "Think freely? My thought is according to my nature, and my nature is this, a child of Verin," he scoffed coldly, holding his hands out to the sides as huge claws extended from his fingertips. In a movement almost too fast to see, he flew at Atul and aimed to run his claws through the man's body.

[Emora Deen]

Atul was no where near human. His father's blood over ruled his mother's, and though Vlad's movements were quick, the prince watched them with his eyes as if they were perfectly human gestures. He watched as Vlad bounded to him, and to others he would have been nothing but a flash. When the vampire was stretching his claws out to him, and they were centimeters from his chest, at that moment it looked as if the prince would just allow himself to be run through.

He was a prince, yes, but he was also a warrior. He had to be, for his kingdom flourished through war and the conquering of lesser nations. His blue eyes fixated on Vlad as he felt the prick of Vlad's claws about to run him through, and then he moved swiftly. His hand came out with deadly accuracy and his body pivited to the side. His grip was firm on Vlad's wrist and he bent his arm down, placing his other hand on the vampire's shoulders to flip him head over heals onto his back. At least that was the way it seemed, instead in mid flip Atul spun him around with his one arm and tossed him to land at the feet of the guards.

"You're nature is a child of Verin?" Atul hissed. He knew that Vlad was merely playing a part, but those words cut deeply into him and rose up a beast. He was a child a Verin, but that did not determine his nature. So he could not walk up to Verin and defy him, for his power would make Atul do anything he wanted. At least, Atul thought that. But, these people are not his actual children. They were decendents of demons he had forged. But, his actual children they were not. "You are not a child of Verin! None of you are. That is the term through which he binds you in chains... and you cowards so willingly submit!" Atul roared, pointing to them.

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad whirled on Atul while he spoke to the crowd, seizing the opportunity to take him off guard. He teleported just beside the prince and threw a kick like a wrecking ball at Atul's chest. The prince barely registered the attack in time, managing to grab hold of Vlad's leg, but the force was still there and wound up throwing him backwards. He increased his grip on Vlad's leg and threw the vampire down with him, and they both skidded several yards across the sandy earth.

Before the crowd could quite make out who had won that strike, both men were on their feet again, dusty and glowing with power. There was no breath or time for squabbling now. A grin of fierce delight spread across Vlad's face as he realized this fight would be intense. This wasn't the Atul he'd fought and easily battered in the palace days before. There was a strange new life in the prince now, and for Vlad's part, the demonic power that had been fueling the vampire at that time was not with him now. He could feel his body stretching to meet this half-god's challenge, and it was invigorating.

He and Atul both leapt forward and locked in a vicious, high-speed battle that seemed to stretch on and on, though it actually lasted little more than a minute before the combatants finally spread apart for long enough for their human audience to comprehend their movements. Atul was scraped up, and Vlad's claws had found their way across the side of his face at some point. His clothing was ragged, but his own form seemed to glow with surreal energy.

OOC: Feel free to edit my post if you want to add or change anything : )

Vlad looked the worse for wear of the two. His wounds were already closing, but his right arm was bent at an odd angle. He presently reached down and snapped it straight again, a wild-eyed smile still glued to his face. His red eyes glowed with power, but it was the power of a spirited monster in the passion of battle. It differed in nature from Atul's, which seemed less rapturous and more supernatural. The two energies seemed to complement and contradict each other at the same time, which only drove home the symbolism of their battle.

[Emora Deen]

Tenele was sleeping well. Not a deep sleep, but for once she was resting. It was a good that she had been for a while too. But, suddenly her sleep was disturbed by a low rumble, followed by the soft cries of a baby. It wasn't enough to completely shake her awake, but slowly the incessent cries of the baby kept her from staying in that lovely state of rest. She sat up, feeling a considerable amount better than she had earlier. Strange that such a short nap could bring her such relief.

She eased out of bed, her bare feet padding across the cool stone floor. The cries were coming from a room two doors down. The door was open and on the inside sat a wooden crib.

Tenele crept closer to the crib and found a small baby. A tiny child that was obviously very unhappy. His fists were balled up waving about in the air.

"Shh..." her voice whispered soothingly to him. She reached her hand down, her fingers brushing under his chin. "Its okay." She thought about just leaving him to get the mother, but it seemed so sad. She smiled softly at him, reaching down. "Let's find your mother."

Tenele gathered the baby wrapped in the thin cream cloth and held him in her arms gently. Surprisingly the child stopped his crying. Her cyrtal green gaze wondered over his small body in her arms, and she couldn't help but feel a small pang of longing. One of her fingers reached out towards him, and his tiny hand wrapped around it. She smiled softly, feeling that pang of longing even more. This was one thing she couldn't have... or at least... she didn't think she could have.

Tenele figured that if it were possible for she and Vlad to have children then it would have happened by now. Neither were a firm believe in any form of protect, and most definitely not abstinence.

She wondered half-heartedly if Vlad could just decide when he wanted children and bam... he was fertil. That seemed like a really outragous and ridiculous thing to believe. But, had he not once told her he could mate? Maybe he meant something different.

Then she wondered if the problem was with her? Maybe she was baren? No, those damn priests of Verin seemed very convinced that she wasn't. How they would know she really didn't want to figure out.

Either way, when she looked at the child, her heart swelling and realizing that she wanted one of her own some day, she felt grave sadness. She had lived one handed and twenty some odd years, and by elf years it was very young. But, by her human years she was quite old.

She knew then that picking up the child was the wrong thing to do. The human side was crying. Tenele gave a heavy sigh. "Yes, let's find your mother."

Tenele was turning to leave the room when she felt the very earth beneath her feet shake.

* * *

Atul stood up from the crater that he and Vlad had made when practicly body slamming eachother at the same time into the ground. He stumbled into a better step as he eased away, tilting his head from side to side to adjust it back into place.

"I'm proud of you Vampire.... you're thinking for yourself. I'm sure your orders were not to kill me, yet you are trying very hard to do so," Atul muttered, noting that the onlookers had drawn even closer. His hands flexed at his sides and he turned on his heal running to Vlad. He grabbed the vampire by the neck, lifting him and slamming him down into the ground. He placed his knee on Vlad's chest to hold him down firmly. "You're not willing to die for Verin's orders. Your willing to die for your own pride. Vampires, the most prideful of all demons. I would think that you above all other of Verin's creations would want to taste freedom. But, whatever reason you remain bond by his shackles."

He turned his attention to the crowd. "Do you want to be slaves for the rest of your lives? Do you honestly want to be mindless beings under the boot of an overgrown child?" He stood up, keeping his foot on Vlad's chest. "If it is fear that you feel towards him then know that I fear him too. But, I will no longer let fear guide me. I will not be a slave! If you want to be free, then join me." He bent low towards Vlad, stretching out his hand to him. The crowd was quiet, even the soldiers. But, the soldiers had been warned of the prince's silver tongue, they were not so easily moved. "I offer the same to you. Join me, not as a slave... but as equal."

"What are you doing?" a soft voice came from behind them. Atul glanced over his shoulder to find Tenele standing just outside the open door way with a child in her arms. Her silver hair tossed in the wind, glistening like diamonds in the sun. She looked confused, and she had a right to be confused. "Vlad?"

A flurry of whispers went through the crowd. She could barely understand. Suddenly Nadia was running up to her and ushering her back inside, pulling the small cloth on her dress that could be used as a hood over her head as they disappeared back into the house as if Tenele were something sacred that could not be looked upon.

"So what will it be?" Atul said loudly, trying his best to change the subject.

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad's vision swirled as Atul crashed him into the earth and his heel bit down on his chest. His body was beginning to truly feel every hit as if he were mortal. "Even if i wanted to join you...how do you propose I overrule a god's power inside me?" he growled, making himself remember what had happened to him at the palace, making himself mean his words. He was having trouble focusing on the act. He'd never gone easy on the prince; Atul was actually winning. And part of him didn't want to let it alone. He wanted to tackle Atul until all his strength was gone.

A soft voice broke his train of thought. "What are you doing? Vlad"

He couldn't see the speaker, but he knew who it was. In image of himself and what he must look like right now flashed through his mind, and it wasn't good. Don't interfere with this, he willed her not to call out to him. If he acknowledged her, this would all be wasted. He took his stronger arm and slashed at the hand that was extended to him. Atul pulled back quickly, but didn't escape a graze of claws. In the blink of an eye, Vlad teleported into the air just above the prince and attacked downward.

His movements were getting slow. Atul's eyes flashed above him and he swung his arms up, deflecting Vlad's entire body sideways where it crashed hard into the ground.

Vlad pushed up onto one arm and glared at the prince. He could see Tenele out of the corner of his eye. As thrilling as this battle was, he knew it was time to end it. The only problem was that every muscle in his body wanted to finish this fight.

[Emora Deen]

Atul looked down at Vlad, not minding his glare at all. His eyes turned to Tenele, who Nadia was still trying to keep from coming outside. The woman was doing her best to hold the fiesty warrioress back, and if it had not been for the child in her arms she probably would have surely broken Nadia's hold. But, Nadia was more concerned about the crowd seeing Tenele. His gaze returned to Vlad. "Find something you believe in more than the power he has on you. Fight it, as hard as you have fought me. Fight it with you life, for its better to fight than to just give in. Wouldn't you rather die fighting for something, than die as a slave?"

Atul stepped towards him again, holding out his hand. "One last time. I can't garentee it will be easy, but nothing ever is."

The guards were edging closer, whether the vampire joined him or not, they intended to take the prince captive long enough to return him to his father. He needed to be re-educated.

Tenele snatched her arm away from the woman as Nadia pulled her once again back inside the house and fought the hood back on her head. "What is your problem?"

"You should not go outside without your head being covered."

"I know, I look different," Tenele muttered and headed for the door again.

"Its not that!" Nadia called, placing her hand on Tenele's arm.

"Then, what is it?" Tenele hissed.

Nadia reached forward and took the child from her arms, who suddenly started crying. The woman blinked and looked at Tenele. "All Gods have atributes. Verin's likeness is all around... So our people have only heard stories of the other Gods... You're characteristics resemble Attara's."

"But, I'm not a God."

Nadia sighed with aggrivation. "I do not have time to explain to you the legends of our people. You will not go back out there, unless you want to risk what Prince Atul is trying to accomplish."

"Can't you just tell me now?"

Nadia stared deeply into Tenele's eyes. With a reluctant sigh the woman replied, "Later."

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad set his gaze on Atul's extended hand for a long, uncertain moment. He regretted the end of their battle, though not for the same reasons the civilians around them assumed. "I am no slave," he said slowly and firmly in response to the prince's words. This acting thing was rather amusing, and he was finding that he was quite good at it. "Not to Verin...and also not to you. But I respect your strength. You intrigue me, prince. I'll play this game," he acknowledged with a smirk. Better to go with an argument that held half-true, in case he decided to play in this little war. His claws retracted into regular nails as he clasped the man's hand firmly and allowed himself to be tugged to his feet. He could feel the demigod's pulse against his hand, and the fact that it made him thirsty told him it was definitely time to pull out some stops. He wasn't sure if he could drink Atul's blood, but it seemed unhealthy.

[Emora Deen]

Atul patted Vlad on the back gently, a broad smile across his face. For the moment he even forgot the guards. His smile slowly slipped away, as he realized that the Vampire was probably on the verge of a hunger attack. He had gotten a lot taken out of him. Atul's wounds were healed, but the blood was dry on his skin where they had been.

"Prince Atul," a voice called very strongly from behind him. "Your father has ordered that you come with us."

Atul gave a heavy sigh. "Some words fall on deaf ears," he muttered as he slowly turned to face them. "I don't want to have to hurt you, but I will."

Tenele stepped through the doorway, out onto the porch between two large pillars, and decended the steps to walk on the hard ground. She had the rust colored cloth that draped down her back pulled up to conceal her hair so Nadia wouldn't attack her again. The fabric flowed about her, rustled by the wind to reveal the soft skin of her leg as she walked. An inch of her flesh was exposed going down the side of the dress, which was carefully and decently held closed by the three leather straps.

Nadia stood in the doorway, holding the grumpy child in her arms and watched as Tenele almost diplomaticly walked to where the prince and Vlad stood. The guards focused there attention on Tenele. "The Ighten woman is to come with us as well as you."

Tenele wondered why they had not come for Vlad, or had they not been warned about him? That troubled Tenele, for why would they not warn them about Vlad? Unless... She glanced to Vlad, wondering if he was truely himself. Why else would Atul have been fighting him?

"We ask that you come along quietly, my prince. Please, for the sake of your people," the tall broad soldier said, glancing to the crowd behind him.

Atul saw how the crowd seemed angry, and there glares were directed towards the guard. He watched as they muttered, and whispered in hissing voices, and for some reason Atul knew that there was nothing to worry about. His lips curled and he tilted his head as the wind tossed his black hair gently. Strands of it brushed his cheek and neck, and with the wind he could feel the creeping edge of friction.

Atul shook his head calmly. "For the sake of your people," Atul spoke softly, glancing at the guards beside the soldier. "I suggest you go along quietly." The crowd edged closer into the courtyard, blocking any escape that they might have once had. Some beat their fists into their hands, butchers grasped there cleavers.

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad exchanged a brief glance with Tenele when she was close enough, but there was no time to say anything and no way to have a conversation with her without making it obvious they were acquainted. Before there was time to find a better way to communicate, the head guard raised his voice.

"Every man, woman and child who resists us here, will burn on the pyre of Verin for their treason. Know well the choice you make," he roared angrily to the crowd. "This is no game; we are a hundred strong. The prince WILL return to the capital, and when he is gone you will be cut to the ground like cattle!"